Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, stressed the importance of promoting and safeguarding the Nepali language, highlighting its cultural significance and role in human connections. Speaking at the 32nd Bhasha Manyata Diwas celebrations at Chintan Bhawan, he remarked, “The Nepali language is more than a means of communication for us…It is a cornerstone of our culture, identity, and human connection.”
Tamang paid tribute to figures like former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who worked diligently over thirty years ago to include the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. He asserted that protecting and enriching the language was a collective responsibility, stating, “It is our duty to protect and enrich our language, which is a priceless heritage, and I encourage everyone to work actively towards enhancing it.”
Expressing his government’s commitment, Tamang underlined the significance of preserving not just the language, but also the associated traditions and culture that encompass all Sikkimese communities. He urged students to actively participate in upholding the linguistic and cultural heritage of the region.
Tamang disclosed that his government had taken practical steps to bolster the Nepali language, including the construction of a hall at the Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan and the launch of a Nepali TV channel from Sikkim. These initiatives aimed to strengthen and promote the Nepali language, ensuring its continuity and vibrancy for generations to come.
“By investing in the preservation of the Nepali language, we can ensure that our heritage remains vibrant and that future generations continue to benefit from the wisdom, beauty, and diversity that languages bring to our lives”, he added.
